Hydrogen Planes Expected To Fly By 2035
In the ongoing quest for clean energy in the mobility and transportation sector, pivotal innovations have been made recently. In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, several breakthrough technologies have been created. Dynamic legislation has been passed to implement clean energy adaptation into mainstream life. Corporations have worked alongside governments and public interest groups to forward their respective missions at an increased rate. In the EV realm, rideshares have pledged to use only electric vehicles, while cities pledged to install recharging infrastructure. In the commercial trucking, train, and subway transportation sectors, Craig Bouchard’s Ecolution kWh created its patented MARS technology to generate kinetic energy in a vehicle in motion, with train stations providing the needed, already built infrastructure.
Batteries Or Hydrogen
While other transportation mediums have benefitted from rapidly changing technology, air travel has been somewhat limited. Innovative and open-minded aircraft manufacturers have been awaiting the arrival of batteries to revolutionize their functionality. The mainstream rollout of battery-based aircraft has been halted due to slow tech progression. Ambitions are being undercut by the slow pace of battery technology, rendering many aircraft manufacturers looking for alternative clean energy methods that can be adapted in a more time-sensitive manner. With air travel lagging behind in innovation, Airbus announced plans to put a hydrogen plane in the air by 2035.
Tesla’s Elon Musk recently teased an upcoming unveiling of new battery technology. His interest in battery-powered aircraft has been made public for quite some time. Undoubtedly, the release of Tesla’s new battery technology will be trialed in aircraft, though most likely only within short-haul flights. For longer flights, some innovators are now turning away from the promise of battery power, in favor of alternative clean energy methodologies.
Airbus, a French aircraft manufacturer, just announced a pivot to focus on hydrogen technology in the quest for clean energy mobility. According to multiple press conferences, Airbus cites the slow pace of improvement in battery technology as being responsible for the tilt in focus.
Airbus’ Hydrogen Models
According to recent updates from Airbus, the company is showcasing three concept aircraft that will rely on hydrogen fuel cell technology. Each of the model aircraft utilizes hydrogen as the primary power source for successful operation. Airbus is committed to hydrogen as a clean energy source and believes its use can render aerospace companies as climate-neutral. If implemented on a broad scale, the mainstream use of hydrogen could change the commercial and private air travel industry. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has touted the power of hydrogen as being key in the company’s quest for zero-emissions flights.
The first concept showcases a classic configuration with over 200 seats, making it similar to conventional aircraft. This model has the power to travel over 2,000 miles. In this model, the proposed liquid hydrogen tank would be housed in the rear of the aircraft, inside the fuselage. Unlike the first traditional model, the second proposed concept features propellers. Its smaller size would accommodate roughly 100 passengers. This smaller plane is intended to be used for shorter distance flights.
Finally, the last concept is the most physically innovative. Referred to as a “flying wing”, the third concept seats about 200 passengers. The unique shape of the conceptual model allows Airbus strategists to play around with configuration, and hydrogen storage and propulsion.
The Impact Of The Aviation Sector
While the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly minimized air travel, the industry has traditionally been considered a heavy pollutant. In fact, the air travel industry has become the fastest-growing contributor to transport-related emissions. The emissions generated by the aircraft industry even beat those in commercial trucking. For Craig Bouchard, the staggering environmental effects of the transportation industry motivated the entrepreneur to establish Ecolution kWh, which cites its commitment to net-zero-carbon in the transportation sector in its mission statement. For Airbus, the commitment to mitigating environmental impact is a driving force for innovation as well.
According to the Air Transport Action Group, jets are now more than 80% more efficient than in the 1960s, showcasing some environmental improvement. However, the same evolution isn’t seen in long-haul planes. Roughly 80% of aircraft-related emissions are created by long-haul flights. To date, there isn’t an alternative method of travel for these lengthy flights. Thus, the creation and effective implementation of hydrogen-powered long-haul aircraft could impact the environment in massive ways.
Hydrogen Technology
While preliminary technology needed to develop low-carbon planes is already present, it needs to be perfected. According to Airbus’ leadership, this process can be expected to take about 5 years. Then, in order to mass-produce and physically create the infrastructure needed to implement the technology, suppliers and manufacturers will need about 2 more years.
In June, the French government set forth the initiative to develop a carbon-neutral aircraft. The country’s government has dedicated 15 billion Euros to this venture, funding innovation at Airbus and Air France. This dedication of funds is a part of the country’s aerospace rescue planning, which the country hopes will ramp up the economy post-pandemic. It has given Airbus an incentive to utilize hydrogen technology, and pivot their planning to be more aggressive and time-sensitive.
Successful Integration
In order for hydrogen aircraft to become mainstream, consideration must be made by all parties affected. First, legislation needs to be passed to support the use of hydrogen in aircraft. The regulatory framework must be established between countries of flight, creating seamless availability of these aircraft to travel to various destinations. Without cooperation, hydrogen aircraft will not be able to maximize their efficiency in air travel. In addition to implementing rules and regulations, infrastructure must be physically created to support hydrogen aircraft. Green hydrogen will need to be readily available to support the need for aircraft.
To be truly considered clean energy, the hydrogen utilized by these aircraft will have to be generated by renewable energy sources. Currently, the process of garnering hydrogen is less efficient than harnessing hydrogen from fossil fuels. It is also much more cost-prohibitive. Thus, hydrogen harvesting technologies will also have to improve in order to support increased requirements.
With these considerations in mind, the 2035 timeline for the integration of hydrogen aircraft is appropriate. Airbus is leading the charge for clean energy in the aerospace sphere by leaning into the promise of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Clean energy continues to dominate the conversation within various transportation industries. For Airbus, the clean energy future is in hydrogen technology. For Ecolution kWh it is in low emission electricity generated in trailers, trains, and subway cars distributed through existing train station infrastructure.
